Unmask their Talent

Educator Tip - the Brief
Educators can help students learn how to generate original ideas, designs, and composition by giving them a clear brief before they start their mask project...

It is not enough to tell students “Just be creative” as few have the initiative, thinking skills and confidence to turn ideas into products from the get-go. Often students may be tempted to borrow ideas from others. Jonathan Milne, Creative Director of the learning connexion suggests copying and uniqueness can go hand in hand. He says: "Just as your copied genes [from your parents] come out as something unique, so does art". His free advice for learners is: "When copying, be yourself" [make it your own].

Another important tip “just being creative” is not a mandate to make 'dark' stuff that scares people. As artist Juliet Novena Sorrel says: "The NEW risk is to make something beautiful". The best imaginative thinking begins within clear guidelines. Especially in a situation like mask making - where anything is possible - remember to brief the learner so they can unmask their creativity safely. Young people love boundaries.